Defense Production Act

The Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) is one of the federal government’s most powerful and adaptable industrial policy tools. Enacted to support the country’s industrial and economic mobilization during the Korean War, the DPA gained renewed prominence as a key lever to expand production of vital public health materials and other critical resources during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The DPA contains several industrial policy authorities, including those empowering the government to mandate prioritization of its orders from private producers and to direct the allocation of scarce resources, and to engage in financial transactions to prompt increased production of strategic goods and materials.

VPA’s series on the Defense Production Act shows how policymakers can improve the DPA and more effectively use the Act’s authorities to meet today’s biggest challenges.